U.S. patent application number 12/678733 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-09 for connecting arrangement and connecting method, in particular by way of non-positive connection on all sides.
This patent application is currently assigned to P & S Vorspannsysteme AG. Invention is credited to Harald Norbert Schneider.
Application Number | 20100226715 12/678733 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40291334 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100226715 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schneider; Harald Norbert |
September 9, 2010 |
CONNECTING ARRANGEMENT AND CONNECTING METHOD, IN PARTICULAR BY WAY
OF NON-POSITIVE CONNECTION ON ALL SIDES
Abstract
The invention relates to a connecting method or a connecting
arrangement for clamping at least one first and one second
component (1, 2) to be clamped with each other, in particular with
a connection by force on all sides. The connecting arrangement has
at least one first and one second component (1, 2) to be connected
with a connection by force on all sides, a through opening (20) of
the components, a bolt (3) extending from the first component (1)
through the through opening (20), a clamping nut (4) which is
screwed on the bolt (3) for clamping the components (1, 2), and a
cone pair (8) comprising an inner cone (60) with a split (8) and an
outer cone (50). One part of this cone pair is formed as a conical
clamping element (5), which is arranged and axially moveable for
radial clamping on the bolt between the components and the clamping
nut. A locking nut (7) is screwed on the conical clamping element
(5) and clampable against an abutment surface (21) of the second
component (2) to thus limit the moveability of the clamping element
(5).
Inventors: |
Schneider; Harald Norbert;
(Uznach, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KNOBBE MARTENS OLSON & BEAR LLP
2040 MAIN STREET, FOURTEENTH FLOOR
IRVINE
CA
92614
US
|
Assignee: |
P & S Vorspannsysteme
AG
St. Gallenkappel
CH
|
Family ID: |
40291334 |
Appl. No.: |
12/678733 |
Filed: |
September 16, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
September 16, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/DE08/01538 |
371 Date: |
April 19, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
403/350 ;
29/428 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16B 5/02 20130101; F16B
2200/506 20180801; Y10T 403/7009 20150115; Y10T 29/49826 20150115;
Y10T 403/75 20150115; F16B 3/06 20130101; Y10T 403/7056
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
403/350 ;
29/428 |
International
Class: |
F16B 7/04 20060101
F16B007/04; B23P 11/00 20060101 B23P011/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 18, 2007 |
DE |
10 2007 044 404.6 |
Claims
1. A connecting method for connecting at least one first and one
second component to be clamped with each other, wherein: a bolt
extending in a fixed position from the first component is extended
through a through opening in the second component, on a thread on
the bolt, a clamping nut is screwed for clamping the components, or
the bolt formed as a clamping screw with a head with a thread of
the clamping screw is screwed toward the first component) on or
behind the first component for clamping the components, prior to
screwing the clamping nut or prior to screwing-in the clamping
screw, a conical clamping element is inserted in a direction toward
the first component between the components adjacent to each other
and the clamping nut or between the components adjacent to each
other and the head for radial clamping at or on the bolt, after
inserting the clamping element, a locking nut or at least one
locking screw is screwed onto the clamping element while an
abutment space greater than zero is left with respect to the second
component, and subsequently the clamping nut or the head of the
clamping screw is clamped against the conical clamping element
and/or against the locking nut or against the at least one locking
screw.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein: with the aid of the
clamping nut or the clamping screw, the conical clamping element is
clamped while reducing the abutment space (a) to zero while
building up a radial force built-up between the components up to
such a zero position, and the clamping nut or the clamping screw
further clamped while acting against the clamping element and/or
against the locking nut or against at least one locking screw after
reducing the abutment space to zero while building up an axial
force increasingly built-up between the components.
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the abutment space
greater than zero left with respect to the second component is
adjusted depending on a conical inclination angle of the clamping
element and depending on the radial force to be built up at the
zero position.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the abutment space is
adjusted as a number of turns of the thread to be rotated up to the
zero position and/or as a rotation angle of the clamping nut or the
clamping screw up to the zero position.
5. A connecting arrangement for connecting at least one first and
one second component to be connected with each other, comprising: a
through opening in the second component, a bolt, extending in a
fixed position with respect to the first component from the first
component through the through opening in the second component and
on which a thread is formed, for clamping the components, a
clamping nut screwed onto the thread, in particular on the thread
formed on the bolt at least spaced from the first component or
facing away from it, or on the bolt formed as a clamping screw with
a head and a thread, wherein the thread of the clamping screw is
screwed toward the first component) at or behind the first
component for clamping the components, and a cone pair comprising
an inner cone with a split for enabling an expansion of the inner
cone, and an outer cone, wherein the inner cone is formed as a
conical clamping element, which is arranged between the components
and the clamping nut or between the components and the head of the
clamping screw for radial clamping on the bolt, and the bolt or the
clamping screw carries or forms the outer cone, or the inner cone
is arranged as a conical intermediate clamping element, which is
expandable by means of the split for radial clamping, at least
partially opposing the conical clamping element carrying or forming
the outer cone between the bolt and the components, and wherein a
locking nut is screwed onto the conical clamping element by means
of a locking nut thread or at least one locking screw by means of a
locking screw thread and limits the moveability of the clamping
element clamped against an abutment surface of the second
component.
6. The connecting arrangement according to claim 5, wherein a
clamping element pre-clamping force of the locking nut or the at
least one locking screw against the second component is in a
defined or definable ratio to a radial force in the radial
direction to the bolt or to the shaft of the clamping screw.
7. The connecting arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the
conical clamping element, in the clamped state, is radially clamped
in an opening formed in the first component, wherein the bolt or
the shaft of the clamping screw extends through this opening in the
first component.
8. The connecting arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the
opening extends through the first component to be clamped, and the
bolt or the clamping screw is clamped against the first component
by means of a counter bearing on the side facing away from the
second component.
9. The connecting arrangement according to claim 7, wherein the
opening is formed as a blind hole in the first component to be
clamped, and the bolt is fixedly arranged at, in particular screwed
into, the first component by means of its end section facing away
from the second component, or the clamping screw is fixedly
arranged at, in particular screwed into, first component by means
of its end section facing away from the second component.
10. The connecting arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the
bolt has a section with a conical surface as the outer cone as a
conical counter clamping element for the conical clamping
element.
11. The connecting arrangement according to claim 5, wherein all
components transmitting radial and axial forces are made of a
metallic material.
12. The connecting arrangement according to claim 5, which
comprises a plurality of such locking screws, wherein the locking
screws are arranged distributed over a circumference of the
clamping element and extend through threaded bores in the clamping
element adjustable toward the abutment surface of the second
component.
13. The connecting arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the
locking screws are arranged distributed over a circumference of a
head section of the clamping element.
14. The connecting arrangement according to claim 5, wherein a
washer is inserted between the locking nut and the abutment surface
or between the at least one locking screw and the abutment
surface.
15. The connecting arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the
conical clamping element with the inner cone has a first section
and a second section as two components separate from each other,
wherein the locking nut or the at least one locking screw is
screwed onto the first section, and wherein the second section is
conically formed and extends at least into the first component.
16. (canceled)
17. The method of claim 1 wherein the clamping nut is screwed on a
thread at least spaced from the first component.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the clamping nut is facing away
from the first component.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the connection is with
non-positive engagement or connection by force on all sides.
20. The connecting arrangement of claim 5, wherein the connection
is with non-positive engagement or connection by force on all
sides.
Description
[0001] The invention relates to a connecting arrangement with
connection by force on all sides, or to a connecting method.
[0002] In particular in the construction of heavy machines,
large-dimension connections are necessary, which have to be
reliably clamped and also released. Screwed, positively connecting
connecting elements are used especially in connections loaded by
shearing forces. These connecting elements can only be clamped and
released with difficulty, however, due to their size.
[0003] Considerable manufacturing effort must be encountered with
positively connecting connecting elements, which clamp two
components to be connected. Bores in the components to be connected
must be made with great accuracy and a high surface finish. In
actual assembly, the components to be connected must be aligned
with each other, which can often only be achieved by repeated
mechanical machining of the bore in situ because of the positively
connecting connecting elements. Moreover, unwieldy and expensive
tools are necessary for tightening and releasing screws and nuts of
large connecting elements. The use of a slugging wrench is carried
out without control and is very accident-prone. The use of a torque
converter results in very high friction and is imprecise. The use
of hydraulic tools requires a lot of space and results in only
little usage of the materials.
[0004] A further drawback with positively connecting connecting
elements is that they are problematic to service and maintain,
because specialized tools and methods are required to release them
again. Often, the connecting elements must even be destroyed, for
example cut off, to remove them, which is often only possible with
expensive and time-consuming improvisation.
[0005] Generally known as a fitting bolt is a connecting
arrangement for connecting at least a first and a second component
to be connected, wherein a through hole is formed in both
components through which a bolt extends having the same diameter.
Herein, the bolt is arranged in a fixed position with respect to
the first component and has a thread on its end facing away from
the first component. The two components are axially connected with
each other by means of a nut screwed on the thread.
[0006] Furthermore, the use of a cone pair as an expansion bolt is
known, which is arranged for radial pre-clamping at or on a bolt
extending through two components.
[0007] Also known per se as a shearing sleeve is the forming of a
split in a sleeve-like connecting element, to establish positive
engagement irrespective of the manufacturing tolerances of the
bore.
[0008] Furthermore, locking nuts are generally known which can be
brought into a predetermined abutment position on a thread of a
bolt, to prevent rotation of the bolt beyond the abutment
position.
[0009] As a fitting pin there is also known a positively connecting
connecting element which can transmit transverse forces in a joint
between parts. Axial pre-clamping forces are however not
possible.
[0010] As a pivot pin there is also known a positively connecting,
and, depending on the structure, also on all sides by force
connecting connecting element, for linking two components, i.e.
connecting them so that they are rotatable about an axis of the
pivot pin. Both radial and axial non-positive engagement/connection
by force only act on one of the two components, i.e. the pivot pin
is immovably joined with one of the two components. The other
component is connected with the pivot pin only in positive
engagement and can therefore rotate about the rotary axis.
[0011] As a shaft-hub connection there is also known a positively
connecting clamping element, which also creates radial connection
by force by means of a cone pair. However, a travel distance/stroke
is neither adjustable nor limited.
[0012] EP 0 633 404 A1 describes a connecting arrangement for
connecting two components while leaving a space between the two
components to be connected. The first component is provided with a
bore, which is formed for receiving a cone pair with an inner cone
and an outer cone. Starting from the open side of the bore, the
inner cone extends into the bore with an expanding inner diameter.
The outer cone is inserted into the inner cone. The inner cone, as
a sleeve-like component, has a through bore with an inner thread,
into which a screw bolt in the form of a screw with a head is
screwed as a clamping screw, wherein the screw extends through a
through opening of the second component. With its end side facing
the first component, the second component touches an outer surface
of the sleeve-like inner cone, wherein the inner cone protrudes
from the bore to such an extent that a predefined space is left
between the two components. By tightening the clamping screw, the
inner cone is adjusted in the direction toward the second component
and therewith clamps the outer cone splitted in the longitudinal
direction against a bore wall of the bore. This is how the cone
pair is fixedly clamped in the bore of the first component, and the
second component is attached to the first component in a spaced
relationship by means of the clamping arrangement. This arrangement
is both for positioning and fixing of machine parts spaced with
respect to each other in space by means of an expansion bolt. The
machine part is axially fixed exclusively by means of friction by
the attachment element. It is therefore not a screwed connection
but only a clamping means.
[0013] EP 0 984 173 A2 describes a connecting arrangement having a
similar effect with a mounting element for the positioning and
connecting of at least two components to be connected, wherein the
mounting element cooperates with a connecting element in the form
of a clamping bolt, which axially extends through the components in
mounting openings and penetrates into the mounting element. The
mounting element has its outer dimensions adapted to the components
to be connected in such a manner that it extends through the
mounting openings of all components except for the first component
to be connected. The mounting element consists of a back sleeve and
a front sleeve as an inner cone and outer cone, respectively, which
are in loose engagement along a sliding surface with axial
inclination. The sliding surface enables axial displacement of the
two sleeves with respect to each other. The axial displacement of
the two sleeves by clamping with the clamping screw thus results in
an expansion of the outer dimension of the mounting element, so
that it is clamped at least in the second component. It is
therefore not a screwed connection, but only a clamping means.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 4,978,264 A describes two components to be
connected with each other, in particular metal sheets, wherein a
clamping arrangement is used for connecting. It consists of a
middle clamping element with a through opening conically tapering
and then expanding again, into which two further clamping elements
are inserted from both sides. These also have conical side
surfaces, extending parallel to the conically tapering or conically
expanding sidewalls of the central clamping element. The two
further clamping elements are inserted from the two opposite sides
into the through opening of the central clamping element. A
clamping screw extends through the first of the further clamping
elements with the bolt into a screw thread of the second of the
further clamping elements. By screwing together the screw the two
further clamping elements are clamped toward each other thus
pressing apart the central clamping element. The central clamping
element is inserted in a through opening of one of the components
to be connected and is clamped against the sidewall of the through
opening in the component by means of screwing. The other of the two
components to be connected is insertable or clamped between a
flange of one of the further clamping elements and a flange of the
central clamping element. It is therefore not a screw connection
but only a clamping means.
[0015] The object of the invention is to suggest a connecting
arrangement and a connecting method, respectively, with
non-positive engagement/connection by force on all sides, wherein
the pre-clamping forces acting on the components to be clamped
together can be adjusted in the axial and radial direction
independent of each other.
[0016] This object is solved by a connecting method with the
features according to claim 1, and by a connecting arrangement with
the features according to claim 5, respectively. Advantageous
embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.
[0017] Accordingly, in particular, a connecting method is
preferred, for connecting at least one first and one second
component to be interconnected, in particular with non-positive
engagement/connection by force on all sides, in which a bolt
immovably or in a fixed position extending from the first component
passes through a through opening in the second component, a
clamping nut for clamping the components together is screwed onto a
thread on the bolt, the thread especially being spaced at least
from the first component, a conical clamping element is inserted
either manually and/or with a predefined inserting force prior to
screwing of the clamping nut between the components adjacent to one
another and the clamping nut for radial clamping at or on the bolt
in the direction toward the first component, after inserting the
clamping element, a locking nut is screwed on the clamping element
while leaving an abutment space greater than zero to the second
component, and thereafter the clamping nut is clamped against the
clamping element and/or against the locking nut.
[0018] Instead of a bolt with a thread and a clamping nut screwed
onto it, the bolt being in the form of a screw with a head, i.e. a
clamping screw, can also be screwed on or behind the first
component with a thread of the bolt in the direction toward the
first component for clamping the components. In this case a conical
clamping element is inserted prior to screwing the bolt in the form
of a clamping screw, between the components adjacent to one another
and the head for radially clamping at or on the bolt in the
direction toward the first component. In a final step, the head of
the clamping screw is clamped against the conical clamping element
and/or against the locking nut or against one or more locking
screws.
[0019] As a further, equal effective embodiment, at least one
locking screw can be screwed as a locking element instead of the
locking nut on the clamping element after inserting the clamping
element, while leaving an abutment space greater than zero to the
second component.
[0020] As an equivalent to the head of the clamping screw, other
components extending from the bolt or the clamping screw are also
conceivable, which are fixedly attached to a head-side or to an end
of the bolt protruding from the second component in the axial
direction, and which protrude from the bolt or from the clamping
screw in the radial direction.
[0021] A bolt extending in a fixed position from the first
component can also mean that the bolt protrudes from an opening in
the first component or extends through a through opening of the
first component. The bolt is preferably fixed on the first
component or fixable by means of screwing, in its axial
direction.
[0022] Pre-clamping means here that the arrangement is clamped in a
state prior to its actual operation, in which further forces or
loads can act on the arrangement, as the case may be. A
non-positive engagement/connection by force on all sides is
preferably achieved since both a radial and an axial connection by
force are adjustable in a defined manner.
[0023] By such a method, or a corresponding arrangement of the
individual elements, geometric deviations due to manufacturing
conditions from a setpoint geometry of the components and elements
are compensated. This is why greater manufacturing tolerances are
acceptable.
[0024] Such a method enables decoupling of axial and radial
movements during the clamping of two components to be clamped
together by means of a bolt or a conical clamping element set
thereon, in a radial direction to the bolt. Coupling of axial and
radial movements is still indirectly present due to the given
geometry, since depending on the position of the locking nut or
locking screws, an unambiguous relationship is maintained between
the conical ratio of the surface of the conical component and the
travel distance of the clamping nut or the clamping screw head,
when the locking nut or locking screws leave a predetermined
abutment space to the second component or a stop fixedly associated
with the second component at the beginning of the clamping
process.
[0025] With simple means and without specially required tools it is
thus possible to clamp two components to be clamped with both a
radial and an axial pre-clamping force. Moveability is not
desirable, which is why a connection by force is effective on all
sides so that the connection by force always acts on both
components.
[0026] Preferably, with the aid of the clamping nut or the clamping
screw, the clamping element is clamped while reducing the abutment
space to zero and while building up a radial force between the
components at such zero position. Thereafter, the clamping nut or
the clamping screw are further tightened against the clamping
element and/or against the locking nut, or against the at least one
locking screw, after reducing the abutment space to zero, while
further building up an axial force acting between the components.
In particular, in a first clamping phase of the clamping nut, the
radial force within the opening between the bolt and an inner
sidewall of the opening increases. The axial force is only
insubstantially increased during this first phase. In a second
clamping phase, it is essentially only the axial force that is
increased. Ideally, the radial force is no longer increased or only
by less than 20% relative to the increase in the axial force, in
particular by less than 10% in this phase. Despite this decoupling,
both the axial force and the radial force are unambiguously
predefinable and both adjustable by tightening only one single
clamping nut or the clamping screw head. During these phases the
components are in contact and directly adjacent to each other, or
further components are interposed, wherein these are also adjacent
to each other.
[0027] Preferably, the abutment space left is greater than zero to
the second component as set depending on a conical inclination
angle of the clamping element and depending on the radial force to
be built up at the zero position. Additionally or alternatively,
the abutment space can advantageously be adjusted as a number of
turns of the thread to be rotated to the zero position and/or as a
rotational angle of the clamping nut or the clamping screw up to
the zero position.
[0028] Accordingly, additionally, a connecting arrangement for
connecting at least one first and one second component to be
connected with each other is preferred, in particular with a
connection by force/non-positive engagement on all sides. The
connecting arrangement herein comprises a through opening in the
second component, a bolt, in a fixed position with respect to the
first component, extending from the first component through the
through opening in the second component, and on which a thread is
formed at least spaced or facing away from the first component, a
clamping nut, which is screwed onto the thread for clamping the
components, and a cone pair including an inner cone with a split to
enable expansion of the inner cone, and an outer cone. According to
a first embodiment, the inner cone is formed as a conical clamping
element, which is arranged for radial clamping on the bolt between
the components and the clamping nut, and the bolt carries the outer
cone or forms the outer cone. In particular, the outer cone is thus
configured as an independent component or as a component part of
the bolt. According to a second embodiment, the inner cone is
arranged as a conical intermediate clamping element, which is
expandable by means of the split for radial clamping, at least
partially opposing a conical clamping element carrying or forming
the outer cone, and between the bolt and the components. In both
embodiments, a locking nut is screwed on the conical clamping
element by means of a locking nut thread and clampable or clamped
against an abutment surface of the second component to limit a
moveability of the clamping element. In other words, a moveable
part of the cone pair carries the locking nut in both
embodiments.
[0029] Instead of such a bolt with a thread, on which the clamping
nut can be screwed, the bolt can also be formed as a clamping screw
with a head and with a thread, wherein the thread of the clamping
screw can be screwed toward the first component at or behind the
first component to clamp the components. The inner cone, as a
conical clamping element, is then arranged for radial clamping on
the bolt or on the shaft of the clamping screw between the
components adjacent to one another and the head, when the bolt
carries or forms the outer cone.
[0030] Instead of a locking nut or in addition thereto, at least
one locking screw can be screwed by means of a locking screw thread
as a locking element thread on the conical clamping element and
limit a moveability of the clamping element when it is clamped
against an abutment surface of the second component.
[0031] As far as conceivable at all in a shaft-hub connection, a
possible axial connection by force need not be achieved with a
second clamping element, which would not be part of the actual
shaft-hub connection, however. This is unlike the present case, in
which the radial and axial connection by force is created with the
same clamping element. Each embodiment has as a common element a
moveable clamping element with both a conical surface and a locking
nut or locking screws adjustable on it.
[0032] A connecting arrangement is preferred in particular, in
which an axial clamping element pre-clamping force of the locking
nut or the locking screws acts against the second component in a
defined or definable relationship to a radial force in the radial
direction to the bolt or the shaft of the clamping screw.
[0033] In the clamped state, the conical clamping element is
preferably radially clamped in an opening formed in the first
component, wherein the bolt or the shaft of the clamping screw
extends through this opening in the first component.
[0034] Preferably, the opening extends through the first component
to be clamped, and the bolt or the clamping screw is clamped
against the first component by means of a counter arranged on the
side facing away from/opposing to the second component.
[0035] Preferably, according to an alternative embodiment, the
opening is formed as a blind hole in the first component to be
clamped, and the bolt is fixedly arranged, in particular screwed
into it, by means of its end section facing away from/opposing to
the second component, or the clamping screw is fixedly arranged at,
in particular screwed into the first component by means of its end
section facing away from the second component.
[0036] According to a further variant it is preferred if the bolt
or the clamping screw has a section with a conical surface as a
conical counter clamping element to the conical clamping
element.
[0037] As an independent advantageous embodiment, a connecting
arrangement is preferred, which comprises a plurality of such
locking screws, wherein the locking screws are arranged distributed
over a circumference of the clamping element and protrude through
threaded bores in the clamping element adjustable toward the
abutment surface of the second component. The locking screws also
enable the use of such a clamping arrangement in an advantageous
manner on an unworked, on an only conditionally worked, and on a
non-planar surface of the abutment surface. The locking screws can
be preferably implemented as worm screws, but also as normal
screws. The locking screws are preferably arranged distributed over
a circumference of the head section of the clamping element, which
is axially moved, in order to achieve radial connection by
force.
[0038] A washer can be set between the locking nut and the abutment
surface or between the at least one locking screw and the abutment
surface. The washer prevents damage to the surface of the abutment
surface. This allows second components having a sensitive surface
also to be clamped. The washer spreads the pressure of the end
faces of the individual locking screws to a greater surface.
[0039] The conical clamping element with the inner cone preferably
has a first section and a second section as two components separate
from each other, wherein the locking nut or the at least one
locking screw is screwed on the first section, and wherein the
second section is conically formed and at least protrudes into the
first component. In such an embodiment, the clamping element can be
provided as a set with different lengths of the two sections, to
enable flexible adaptation to each dimension of the components to
be clamped. Cylindrical or conical intermediate pieces can also be
set as extensions between the two sections as needed, such as when
the thickness of the second component is very large.
[0040] The use of such a connecting arrangement is particularly
preferred for carrying out such a method.
[0041] Surprisingly, with only few changes to well-known structural
forms of connecting arrangements, and with a surprisingly simple
modified methodology for clamping of components to be clamped, an
advantageous expansion bolt arrangement is created, which makes
such expansion bolts appear as novel connecting elements. In
particular the splitted cone sleeve as a conical clamping element,
or clamping sleeve achieves additional radial connection by force
in addition to the proven positive engagement. This increases the
rigidity of the connection substantially and prevents adverse micro
movements in a joint between parts.
[0042] In addition to the radial connection by force, an axial
connection by force is also created by means of the axially acting
locking nut or locking screws. Herein, the ratio of the radial to
the axial pre-clamping force can be adjusted independently from
each other within a wide range. All the same, a single clamping
screw or a single clamping nut is sufficient for radial and at the
same time axial clamping, which is screwed on the bolt, and clamps
the combined arrangement of the conical clamping element and the
axial locking nut or locking screws screwed on it against the
components to be clamped.
[0043] By forming the split in the conical clamping element, this
can be more strongly expanded than is usual with clamping sleeves
generally made of linearly elastic material, such as steel, so that
coarser manufacturing tolerances of the openings, in particular
formed as bores, can be accepted in the components to be clamped.
This advantageously also reduces manufacturing costs. The other
components are also made of metallic material, such as steel.
[0044] It is particularly advantageous that with such a splitted
clamping element in the form of a conical clamping sleeve,
extremely strong radial forces can be created, which not only
compensate radial play in the opening but also achieve real radial
pre-clamping. Transverse to the screw or bolt axis, a similar
supporting behavior is thus achieved to the one hitherto only
possible along the bolt axis. Especially, there is no unilateral
lift-off of the conical clamping sleeve from the opening in
operation, but the splitted clamping sleeve is always in
full-surface contact to the opening along the entire inner
circumference of the opening. Plastic deformations are thus
advantageously avoided. Ultimately, this has the result that later
release of the screw connection for maintenance work is enabled and
thus the components can be repeatedly used.
[0045] There is thus a combination of a multitude of various
aspects, which are uniformly realized according to the present
embodiments in each single embodiment. These are a positively
connecting connecting element, which can be used in addition for
two or more parts to be connected with at least one common bore
with a connection by force on all sides simultaneously, and in
addition with adjustable axial and also radial pre-clamping for
transmitting transverse forces or axial torsion moments with
overlapping axial forces and bending moments.
[0046] Herein, the bolt is inserted, according to a particularly
preferred embodiment, directly as an expansion bolt in a common
opening or bore of the parts or components to be connected. For
axial fastening, it can either be screwed into an inner thread in
one of the parts to be connected, or otherwise attached to this
corresponding component, or, according to an alternative
embodiment, extend through both components to be connected and held
beyond the sides facing away of the components to be connected by a
nut or a screw head. According to the first embodiment, a clamping
nut is screwed on the bolt on one side, which serves for clamping
in a manner to be predefined.
[0047] As a further essential aspect, the expansion bolt, or the
conical clamping element, respectively, is for positive
connection/engagement, since the cross section of the openings or
bores commonly extending through the two components is entirely
filled by the clamping arrangement.
[0048] The radial connection by force is created by screwing a
clamping element onto the bolt and tightening it, in the present
case the clamping nut or the clamping screw. This exerts an axial
pre-clamping force on the splitted sleeve with the inner cone, with
which the sleeve is set/slided on a bolt or a further conical
clamping element with an outer cone. The sleeve is expanded until
it presses against the inner sidewall of the common opening. Since
the sleeve as a preferred clamping element is designed in a
splitted configuration, tangential stresses cannot build up in it,
which would restrict radial expansion. The sleeve, especially, as a
conical clamping element thus exerts a radial surface pressure on
the interior of the common opening, which is in force equilibrium
with the axial pre-clamping force of the clamping nut as the
clamping element. The connection is thus pre-clamped in the radial
direction in a connection by force.
[0049] As a further aspect, the radial pre-clamping can be limited
by means of an axial locking nut or locking screws, which,
depending on the embodiment, is/are screwed onto the splitted
clamping sleeve or the splitted clamping element or counter
clamping element, and subsequently is/are moved in the axial
direction by means of the clamping nut or the clamping screw head
until the locking nut or at least one of the locking screws is in
abutment with the components to be connected. The conical clamping
element can thus no longer move in the axial direction, and the
radial pre-clamping cannot be further increased
correspondingly.
[0050] With the axial locking nut or the at least one locking
screw, the ratio between radial and axial pre-clamping can be
adjusted in a selective manner. As long as the locking nut or the
at least one locking screw does not abut on/touch the components to
be connected, the axial pre-clamping force created by the clamping
nut or the head of the clamping screw only achieves radial
pre-clamping of the connection. As soon as the locking nut or the
at least one locking screw abuts on or contacts the components to
be connected, any further tightening of the clamping nut or the
clamping screw will only further result in axial pre-clamping. The
axial pre-clamping force created by the clamping nut or the
clamping screw is thus first selectively exerted on the radial and
then on the axial pre-clamping.
[0051] On the basis of the cone ratio of the conical clamping
element or the conical intermediate clamping element, the ratio
between the axial movement of the conical clamping element and the
radial expansion of the clamping element or the counter clamping
element contacting the inner side wall of the openings is
unambiguously determined due to surprisingly simple geometric
conditions. As long as there are no plastic deformations, the ratio
between the axial pre-clamping force of the clamping nut or the
locking screws and the radial pre-clamping is thus also determined.
The radial pre-clamping or the radial force and the ratio of the
axial pre-clamping or the axial force can thus be adjusted by means
of the travel distance or stroke of the clamping element to be
inserted.
[0052] According to the further aspect, the connection is
preferably pre-clamped to such an extent, that the radial surface
pressure exerted on the inner surface of the common openings is in
force equilibrium with external loads. For transmitting transverse
forces, the radial surface pressure is therefore greater than an
average contact pressure at the hole, which the transverse force
exerts on the clamping elements inserted in the opening. Axial
torsion moments are transmitted by means of the friction arising
between the clamping sleeve and the clamping element, respectively,
or counter clamping element inserted in the opening and the
components to be connected.
[0053] Additionally arising axial forces and bending moments are
transmitted as with a conventional screw connection. For this
purpose, the connection is axially pre-clamped clamped to such an
extent that the components to be connected cannot lift off from
each other.
[0054] An exemplary embodiment will be explained in the following
by means of the accompanying drawings. For different embodiments
same reference numerals will be used in so far as each of the
components or functions have the same or comparable form and
effect, respectively. In particular, in further embodiments,
preferably only those components and functions will be described
which differ from the previously described embodiments. There are
shown in:
[0055] FIG. 1 a first embodiment of a connecting arrangement for
clamping two components to be clamped,
[0056] FIGS. 2A-2C steps of a connecting method for clamping of the
components of such a connecting arrangement,
[0057] FIG. 3 an embodiment of a connecting arrangement modified
with respect to FIG. 1,
[0058] FIG. 4 a further modified embodiment of a connecting
arrangement,
[0059] FIGS. 5A-5F a sequence for connecting two components of the
connecting arrangement according to FIG. 4,
[0060] FIG. 6 a further modified embodiment with a clamping screw
instead of a bolt and a clamping nut, and a multi-part clamping
element, and
[0061] FIG. 7 a further modified embodiment with locking screws
instead of a locking nut.
[0062] As can be seen from FIG. 1, a connecting arrangement serves
to connect at least one first component 1 and one second component
2. Basically, however, more than just two components can be clamped
with each other, in particular whenever further components with
corresponding through openings are placed between the first and
second components 1, 2.
[0063] For clamping the first and second components 1, 2 to be
clamped, a bolt 3 is provided, which extends through openings 10,
20, which are formed as through openings in the first and second
components 1, 2, respectively.
[0064] In the embodiment shown, bolt 3 is formed as a screw having
a screw head 31. Usually, but not necessarily, a washer 9 is placed
between screw head 31 and the surface of the first component 1,
surrounding the opening 10. The screw head 31 and the washer 9 thus
form a counter bearing enabling clamping of this side of the bolt 3
against the first component 1 on the side of the first component 1
facing away from the second component 2.
[0065] Bolt 3, on its opposite end, i.e. on its end facing away
from or spaced from the first component 1, has a thread 30, which
acts for screwing a clamping nut 4 onto it. Clamping nut 4, by
screwing onto the thread 30 of the bolt 3, acts for clamping the
two components 1, 2 together.
[0066] As an essential component of the connecting arrangement, a
conical clamping element 5 is arranged around the bolt 3, wherein
the conical clamping element 5, with its end facing away from the
clamping nut 4, at least partially extends into the area within the
opening 10 of the first component 1. With its opposite end, which
faces clamping nut 4, the conical clamping element 5 protrudes from
the opening 20 of the second component 2 with a head section 51.
The head section 51 of the conical clamping element 5 has an outer
thread 52, which is formed for screwing an axial locking nut 7 on
it.
[0067] Optionally, the opening 20 can also open out into an
expanded opening in the direction toward the clamping nut 4,
wherein the opening is sufficiently wide to also receive the axial
locking nut 7 in an expanded opening section then also lying within
the second component 2 thus lying in front of the opening.
[0068] In a manner differing from the drawing, the head section 51
can also be formed as a section of the conical clamping element not
having a wider diameter, as long as it is solid enough to carry the
axial locking nut 7 via the outer thread 52 in a sufficiently
secure manner.
[0069] The conical clamping element 5 has a conical surface
tapering toward the first component 1 as an outer cone 50, which
comes into positively connection with a conical intermediate
clamping element 6, which has a conical surface tapering toward the
first component 1 on the inside at the inner diameter, as an inner
cone 60. Thus an arrangement consisting of a cone pair with an
outer cone 50 and an inner cone 60 is inserted between the bolt 3
and the two components 1, 2. A split 8 is formed in the clamping
sleeve formed as a conical intermediate clamping element 6 with the
inner cone 60, which extends from the end opposite, facing away
from the clamping nut 4, i.e. the end facing the screw head 31,
axially parallel to the axis of the bolt 3 through the intermediate
clamping element 6. By these means a section of the intermediate
clamping element 6 facing the screw head 31, in particular, is
expandable by the conical clamping element 5, when the conical
clamping element 5 is further clamped into the conical intermediate
clamping element 6.
[0070] A surface facing the locking nut 7 of the second component 2
is formed as a stop 71 for the surface 21 of the axial locking nut
7 serving as a counter stop. Alternatively, any other component can
also be formed as a stop, as long as a fixed connection, rigid in
the axial direction, leads to the second component 2, which
transmits axial forces.
[0071] FIG. 2A shows a first intermediate step of a connecting
method of the first and second components 1, 2, wherein the
arrangement has been assembled to a point where both the conical
intermediate clamping element 6 and subsequently the conical
clamping element 5 have been inserted into the openings 10, 20 of
the first and second components 1, 2, respectively. Thus a zero
point is defined for the further method steps. Herein, the
insertion of the conical clamping element 5 is preferably carried
out to such an extent that manufacturing tolerances of the
individual components and elements are compensated. This is
achieved by fitting together the parts in question to such an
extent that a radially continuous positively connection is
established, but preferably there is not yet a radial connection by
force. Preferably there is no expansion of the conical intermediate
clamping element 6 in this position, so that the radial force Fr
exerted in particular in the opening 10 of the first component 1 is
not yet or not substantially effective. In this method step both an
axially effective clamping element pre-clamping force F5 and the
radial force Fr are thus preferably still negligible.
[0072] Subsequently, the axial locking nut 7 is screwed with its
locking nut thread 70 onto the outer thread 52 of the conical
clamping element 5 to such an extent that a defined abutment space
a is left with an abutment space in a zero position a0 between the
counter stop 21 on the second component 2 and the stop 71 on the
locking nut 7.
[0073] The size of the abutment space in the zero position a0 is
determined in a defined manner in such a way that with an axial
offset of the conical clamping element 5 with the locking nut 7 not
further rotated thereon, i.e. held fixed against rotation, into the
opening of the conical intermediate clamping element 6, an
increasing radial force Fr is created up to an end radial force
Fre.
[0074] FIG. 2b shows the state with the conical clamping element 5,
which has been inserted into the conical intermediate clamping
element 6 to such an extent, as is made possible by the original
abutment space in the zero position a0. In other words, the conical
clamping element 5 has been inserted into the conical intermediate
clamping element 6 to such an extent that the axial locking nut 7
with its counter stop 71 abuts on the stop 21 of the second
component in a completely adjacently supported/touching
relationship.
[0075] The inserting of the conical clamping element 5 has been
carried out according to FIG. 2b by clamping the conical clamping
element 5 with the clamping nut 4 against the counter force of the
counter bearings, i.e. in particular the screw head 31 against the
two components 1, 2 to be clamped. Herein, there is no rotation of
the axial locking nut 7 relative to the conical clamping element 5,
so that the reduction of the space of the axial locking nut 7
relative to a conical inclination angle a of the conical outer and
inner cone 50, 60, respectively, of the conical clamping element 5
and the conical intermediate clamping element 6, respectively,
determines the radial force Fr in a defined manner. In other words,
the end radial force Fre can be determined for each application by
predetermining the abutment space in zero position a0 measurable as
a length. Alternatively, when pitch of the thread 30 of the bolt 3
is known, a number of rotations of the clamping nut 4 can also be
used as a criterion for defining the end radial force Fre in an
equal manner.
[0076] In the intermediate position of the clamping method shown in
FIG. 2b, the radial force Fr already corresponds approximately to
the end radial force Fre. Moreover, a radius r6 of the conical
intermediate clamping element 6 at a position of interest is
increased from a radius r6 of the unclamped intermediate clamping
element 6 to a radius r6e of the clamped intermediate clamping
element 6 proportional to the insertion distance of the conical
clamping element 5 into the conical intermediate clamping element
6.
[0077] The first clamping of the connecting arrangement by means of
clamping nut 4 in the axial direction x thus primarily results in a
radial clamping while exerting the end radial force Fre in the
radial direction r. In the clamping position shown in FIG. 2b of
the clamping nut 4, an axial force Fx in axial direction x has a
value equal to zero or a negligibly small value.
[0078] The end axial force Fe is achieved by further clamping the
clamping nut 4. This further clamping of the clamping nut 4
primarily causes, however, merely a tighter clamping of the
components 1, 2 to be clamped in the axial direction x, and does
not lead or not substantially lead to an increase in the end radial
force Fre. Finally, the clamping element pre-clamping force F5 also
corresponds to an end force value of the end axial force Fe.
[0079] FIG. 3 shows an alternative connecting arrangement
ultimately with the same clamping principles. Instead of the
conical clamping element, which is inserted between a cylindrical
bolt and a splitted sleeve formed as a conical intermediate
clamping element, in this connecting arrangement, a modified bolt
3* is formed as a conical counter element 6*. The section lying
within openings 20, 10 of the second and first components 2, 1,
respectively, has a conical outer cone 60*, which has an increased
diameter or outer circumference as it further extends into the
opening 10.
[0080] Correspondingly, the conical clamping element 5* is inserted
into openings 20, 10 in an embodiment also modified with respect to
the first embodiment. The conical clamping element 5*, which
carries the axial locking nut 7, is formed with a cylindrical outer
surface and having an inner circumference which increases as it
extends from the area within the second opening 20 into the area
within the first opening 10. The conical clamping element 5*
therefore carries a conical inner cone 50*. The conical clamping
element 5*, according to the second embodiment, also has a split
8*, which at least partially extends from an end opposed to axial
locking nut 7 or the outer thread 52 provided for axial locking nut
7, into the conical clamping element 5*. This is how the conical
clamping element 5* is expandable in interaction with the conical
counter clamping element 6* as the conical clamping element 5* is
further inserted, and is therefore clampable against the opening
sidewalls of the second and the first openings 20, 10.
[0081] The second embodiment shown also has a threaded bolt as a
bolt 3* instead of a bolt with a screw head, on which a nut 4 can
be screwed on both end sections. Thus the nut opposed to the actual
clamping nut 4 is arranged as a counter nut 31* serving as a
counter bearing and is brought into a defined and thereafter
preferably unchanged position prior to the first clamping of the
clamping nut 4. Basically, an axial clamping can also be carried
out by means of this counter nut 31*.
[0082] FIG. 4 shows a further modified embodiment, in which the
first component 1.degree. is formed in a modified manner. Instead
of a through opening, the first component 1.degree. has a blind
hole, which only extends into the first component 1.degree..
[0083] In this case, the bolt 3.degree. is screwed into the first
component 1.degree. in a fixed position by means of a bolt
receiving thread 11.degree.. Optionally, however, the bolt
3.degree. could also be fixedly attached to the first component in
a different manner from being screwed in, such as welded onto the
first component. Basically, a lathed embodiment would also be
possible, in which the bolt is formed as an integral part of the
first component, as long as an opening 10.degree. is left about the
former, partially extending into the first component 1.degree.,
which is for receiving the conical clamping element 5* and for
radially clamping it and the conical counter clamping element
6*.
[0084] FIGS. 5A-5F show a method sequence according to the third
embodiment comparable to the method sequence described with
reference to FIGS. 2A-2C.
[0085] FIG. 5A shows an early method step, in which the bolt
3.degree. is screwed into the thread 11.degree. of the first
component 1.degree.. At the front side of the thread, the bolt
3.degree. extends through the opening 10.degree. of the first
component 1.degree. and then through the opening 20 of the second
component 2. Herein, a free space is left between the conical outer
circumference of the bolt 3.degree. with the outer cone 60* and the
inner wall of the two openings 10.degree., 20.
[0086] In the following, as illustrated in FIG. 5b, the conical
clamping element 5* is inserted into this free space to such a
point, as permitted by the outer cone 60* of the bolt 3.degree. and
the inner cone 50* of the conical clamping element 5* set on it, to
compensate manufacturing tolerances and to achieve radial positive
engagement. By these means the zero point is defined. Subsequently,
the axial locking nut 7 is rotated on the conical clamping element
5* into the abutment space at the zero position a, and then the
clamping nut 4 is screwed onto the bolt 3.degree..
[0087] FIG. 5C illustrates the increasingly effective radial load
and radial force Fr, respectively, as the clamping nut 4 is screwed
against the conical clamping element 5*, as long as the locking nut
7 does not abut on the stop 21. As illustrated in FIG. 5D by means
of solid lines, a force flux is thus achieved in the components
1.degree., 2 thus clamped with each other, and further elements,
i.e. the bolt 3.degree., the conical element 5* and the clamping
nut 4.
[0088] FIG. 5E illustrates the force change after the locking nut 7
abuts on the stop 21 as the clamping nut 4 is further tightened.
The increasingly increasing axial force Fx is effective. FIG. 5F
shows the connecting arrangement in the end position with the
pre-clamping forces acting on all sides. By means of solid lines,
the axial force flux in the components 1.degree., 2 thus clamped
with each other, and further elements, i.e. the bolt 3.degree., the
conical element 5* and the clamping nut 4 is illustrated, and the
radial force flux deviating from the latter is shown by means of
dotted lines.
[0089] FIG. 6 shows a further modified embodiment wherein, instead
of a bolt with a clamping nut, a bolt formed as a clamping screw
3** extends from the first component 1.degree. to be clamped
through the second component 2 to be clamped. The clamping screw
3** has a clamping screw head 4**, and on the end section facing
away from the clamping screw head 4**, it has a thread 30**. In the
assembled state, the thread 30** of the clamping screw 3** is again
screwed into a bolt receiving thread 11* in the first component to
be clamped. Embodiments with a bolt and a clamping nut are
preferred for arrangements with large dimensions. In contrast, an
embodiment with a bolt formed as a clamping screw 3** allows
dimensioning with very small elements having a diameter of 20 mm,
in particular, or less.
[0090] As a further difference, in the embodiment according to FIG.
6, a conical clamping element 5** is inserted as a splitted
clamping sleeve, i.e. having a split 8*, in particular, with an
inner cone 50**. The inner cone 50** cooperates with a counter
clamping element 6** set between the inner cone 50** and the bolt
formed as a clamping screw 3**. The sleeve-like counter clamping
element 6** is formed as an outer cone 60**. Preferably, but not
necessarily, the end of counter clamping element 6** facing the
thread 30** of clamping screw 3** is adjacent touching/supporting
in the axial direction x, on a back wall of through opening 10* in
the first component 1* to be clamped. The conical clamping element
5** extends with an inner circumference increasing as it extends
away from the locking nut in the axial direction.
[0091] According to a further embodiment, which can also be
independently implemented, the conical clamping element 5** is
formed as a multi-part clamping element. It is subdivided, in
particular, into a first section of the clamping element 5* and a
second conically extending section 53 of the clamping element 5**.
The first section 51** carries the outer thread 52 for screwing the
axial locking nut 7 onto it, and extends a certain distance into
the through opening 20 of the second component 2 to be clamped in
axial direction x. On this side, the first section 51** has an
end-side abutment surface 51a, which, in the inserted and clamped
state, presses against a correspondingly formed abutment surface
53a of the second conical section 53. A modular system is
established in this manner. It makes possible the use of
cylindrical intermediate pieces or first sections 51** extending
into through opening 20 to different depths, depending in
particular on the thickness or width of the second component 2 to
be clamped.
[0092] FIG. 7 shows an even further modified embodiment, which can
be implemented independently or in combination with the other
described embodiments. Instead of a locking nut, at least one
locking screw 7.degree..degree., preferably a plurality of locking
screws 7.degree..degree. is/are used. Instead of an outer thread,
the conical clamping element 5.degree..degree. correspondingly has
a plurality of threaded bores 54, which extend in a direction
axially parallel to the axial direction x through a head section
51.degree..degree. of the conical clamping element
5.degree..degree.. In each of the threaded bores 54, or in their
inner threads 52.degree..degree., one of the axial locking screws
7.degree..degree. with their locking screw thread
70.degree..degree. is inserted as a locking element. Worm screws
are shown in an exemplary manner, locking screws protruding on both
sides from threaded bore 54 could also be used, however.
[0093] The locking screws 7.degree..degree. extend from the head
section 51.degree..degree. of the conical clamping element
5.degree..degree. toward the second component 2.
[0094] Preferably, a washer 9.degree..degree. is inserted between
the locking screws 7.degree..degree. and an abutment surface in
form of the stop 21 of the second component 2 to be clamped. By
these means, the end-side surfaces of the locking screws
7.degree..degree. do not contact individual points of the surface
of the second component 2 to be clamped, when the final clamped
state is reached. Thus during assembly, not one locking nut is
screwed up to a defined distance to the surface or stop 21 of the
second component 2 to be clamped, but the plurality of the locking
screws 7.degree..degree. is screwed up to a predefined distance
from the stop 21 or a surface of the washer 9.degree..degree.
facing the locking screws 7.degree..degree. in a corresponding
manner.
[0095] Instead of a locking nut adjustable in its travel distance,
thus a plurality of locking screws is used in the form preferably
of threaded pins, wherein, in the embodiment shown, again, a
clamping screw 3** is used as a clamping bolt for end clamping.
Instead of the clamping screw 3**, a bolt with a clamping nut could
of course also be used. Instead of the locking nut, an arrangement
of decentralized locking screws is thus used, which makes a travel
distance adjustable in advance in a limited passive manner. The
possibility of leveling even uneven surfaces of the second
component 2 to be clamped is particularly advantageous.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0096] 1, 1.degree. first component to be clamped
[0097] 10, 10.degree. opening in 1, 1.degree.
[0098] 11.degree. bolt receiving thread in 1.degree.
[0099] 2 first component to be clamped
[0100] 20 through opening in 2
[0101] 21 stop for 7
[0102] 3, 3*, 3.degree. bolt
[0103] 3** clamping screw as a bolt
[0104] 30 thread on 3**
[0105] 30** thread on 3**
[0106] 31 screw head on 3
[0107] 31* counter bearing/counter nut on 3
[0108] 4 clamping nut
[0109] 4** clamping screw head
[0110] 5, 5*, 5**, 5.degree..degree. conical clamping element, in
particular clamping sleeve
[0111] 50 outer cone of 5
[0112] 50*, 50** inner cone of 5*, 5**
[0113] 51, 51.degree..degree. head section of 5
[0114] 51** first section of 5**
[0115] 51a abutment surface of 51**
[0116] 52 outer thread on 51
[0117] 52.degree..degree. inner thread in 54
[0118] 53 second, conical section of 5**
[0119] 53a abutment surface of 53
[0120] 54 threaded bore in 51.degree..degree.
[0121] 6, 6*, 6** conical intermediate clamping element/counter
clamping element to 5
[0122] 60 inner cone of 6
[0123] 60*, 60** outer cone of 6*, 6**
[0124] 7 axial locking nut as a locking element
[0125] 7.degree..degree. axial locking screw as a locking
element
[0126] 70 locking nut thread in 7
[0127] 70.degree..degree. locking screw thread on
7.degree..degree.
[0128] 71 counter stop to 21
[0129] 8, 8* split in 5 and 6, respectively
[0130] 9, 9.degree..degree. counter bearing/washer
[0131] a abutment space between 71 and 21
[0132] a0 abutment space in zero position
[0133] F force flux
[0134] F5 clamping element pre-clamping force
[0135] Fr radial force
[0136] Fre end radial force
[0137] Fx axial force
[0138] Fe end axial force
[0139] r radial direction to 3
[0140] r6 radius of the unclamped intermediate clamping element
6
[0141] r6e radius of the clamped intermediate clamping element
6
[0142] x bolt axis
[0143] .alpha.conical inclination angle
* * * * *